Master of Arts in Philosophy

Students in our MA program work with an Advisory Committee usually made up of one main Advisor and one additional Advisory Committee member. These Advisors are faculty members whose research is in an area related to your interests. They will guide you as you prepare your Thesis, Major Research Project or Major Research Paper. It is a good idea to introduce yourself as early as possible to faculty members who do research in your area.  

Once you start your program, you will have plenty of opportunities to get to know the faculty. Faculty are happy to connect with students who might want to work with them. We recommend that you email faculty who research in your area of interest to confirm their availability.

Faculty will welcome hearing from you and can help you focus your ideas. Towards the end of your first semester, the Coordinator of your program will ask you who you think you would like to have on your committee and they will help you as necessary to get everything set up. You should have your committee formally established by the middle of your second semester at the latest so that they can work with and support you as you plan your project. 

• Official transcripts from all previous secondary and post-secondary institutions.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your academic and educational background, professional achievements, and, where relevant, creative accomplishments, exhibitions, grants, residencies, or involvement in specialized communities, including any pertinent volunteer experience.

• Two letters of recommendation (you will be prompted to enter your referees' contact information, and a secure link will be sent to them directly). If your referees encounter any issues with this process, they are encouraged to email gradapps@uoguelph.ca.  

• A 400-600-word statement of intent outlining your research interests, reasons for pursuing graduate studies at the University of Guelph, and any specific fields of study you wish to explore. If you are pursuing a specialization, please ensure your statement explains how your research ideas fit within the framework.  

• If your first language is not English, certification of English language proficiency must be included (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB test scores).
  Note: The University of Guelph no longer accepts Duolingo test results.

Masters in Philosophy Specific Documents

• A writing sample of work that is 5,000 words or shorter. Select one (1) sample of work to upload. Please add a cover page with your name and the program you are applying for, and remove your name on all other pages. Applicants who do not have a degree in philosophy should submit a sample of writing that displays their philosophical ability and should seek to have their referees address, as far as possible, the applicant's aptitude for philosophical study and research.

Most Offers of Admission that we make for our graduate programs include an offer of funding. As part of your admission offer you will receive a detailed break-down of what that funding will include over the duration of your program. Most funding consists of a mix of a guaranteed offer of paid work for the University, usually as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and scholarship income. Once you enroll in your program, you will be set up with an account with Student Financial Services; your funding will be paid into this account (every two weeks in the case of employment income) and you can pay your tuition and fees from this account and then move the rest into your own bank account.

If you are an International student, visit the University of Guelph International Student Experience website for information about pre-arrival resources, orientation programs (including START International) and counselling help.

Please visit the University of Guelph’s Guelph Graduate Tuition and Fees website to find tuition and fee information.